Anticipation Fills Happy Valley

PSU Media Day Report

Willie Saylor, Editor

The vibe from Cael was ‘optimism’. The vibe from his wrestlers was ‘preparedness’.

In his opening statements Cael Sanderson took a reserved approach when discussing this season. As the Q-and-A portion of the conference moved on, his optimism seeped through.

It was all smiles in the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex Thursday when Penn State entertained about two dozen reporters clamoring for updates on the Nittany Lions and anxious to get a pulse on the state of the program.

In the adjacent conference room, Sanderson answered questions for about twenty minutes as his athletes filed in for practice.

Athletic Director Tim Curley, leaning on a stationary bike and taking pleasure at the scene, was a picture of contentment.

“There’s quite a buzz around here,” Curley said, overflowing with excitement. “I can’t wait. The fans can’t wait. I’m just very impressed with the hard work of the staff and the wrestlers, their positive attitude, and they way they’ve conducted themselves.”

In an exclusive interview with TOM, Mr. Curley spoke of what a strong wrestling program means to the university.
“We have a strong tradition, and we want to continue that. We think it is beneficial not only to our university, but to the state, and college wrestling in general. The Midwest has been awfully successful. We’d like to be an eastern power. In that respect, I think it’s a positive influence on the collegiate wrestling landscape as a whole.”

That the NCAA Championships are being held in Philadelphia this year, hasn’t escaped the attention of Curley. He notes that with the national tournament being held in PSU’s home state, the stakes are raised a bit this year.

“It would be really nice to perform well at the NCAA’s this year. We have a great number of alumni in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas, many of which will be attending nationals. Doing well will help the visibility of the program.”

Curley went on to say that support from fans and alumni is strong and that ticket sales are as high, or higher, than ever.
“The support for wrestling in Pennsylvania is second to none. We have a great number of highly touted freshman and redshirt freshman that in-state fans are familiar with from their high school days. We have a great home schedule and the fans are ready to see them.”

Cael was simultaneous optimistic but reserved. When asked about his #6 Preseason ranking, he noted that the team ranking was based, to a great extent, on young and otherwise unproven talent. Penn State is likely to put out a squad that could include more first-year starters than veterans.

“It’s great that the media thinks that highly of some of our young guys. Of course they have to prove it. On the other hand, we don’t want to be 6th, we want to be the best in the country.”

The most interesting tidbits from Cael came in the form of surprising superlatives for a few of his first-time starters and a comment on scheduling.

Asked what the thought behind the decision was in attending the Southern Scuffle versus Midlands, Cael noted the ability to see different opponents.

“Wrestling in the Big Ten, we obviously see the guys at Midlands a ton. We thought, coupled with the young nature of this team, it would suit us best to go to the Scuffle and see different competition. Maybe in the future that will change. But that was our thought process this year.”

He also showered praise on true freshman Frank Martellotti, who may be thrust into action in his first semester due to the sprained knee of veteran 125ber Brad Pataky.

“Frank is doing exceptionally well. We knew he was talented, but you never know how kids are going to react to the college room. He’s actually been a silent leader with his work ethic. It’s outstanding. He came in here expecting to maybe redshirt or compete at 133lbs, and he’s done everything we asked and more to get ready at 125.”

Martellotti said it’s all about hard work. “You can’t tell people you work hard; you have to actually do it. You have to show them and you have to show them in results.”

Martleotti, who wrestled 130lbs as a high school senior last year, had this to say on what the transition was like in preparing to wrestle 125lbs. “At first it was difficult. I wasn’t feeling good. But I changed my diet and talked to the nutritionist and it’s going really well. I feel good and I’m wrestling well down here.”

Cael made same glowing remarks on to other youngsters; one subtle, one not-so-much.

He predicting Ed Ruth (174) will be a ‘fan favorite’. “Which is not easy to do in a line-up with as much talent as this.”
On to the subtle: Cael stated that “I haven’t even been working with David Taylor (157) that much because I know he’s ready and where he needs to be.”

Other Notes and Quotes:
-Cael is ‘real happy’ with 197lb Freshman, Nick Ruggear.

-There are four candidates for the 165lb spot: Dirk Cowburn, Jake Kemerer, Nick Fisher, and James Vollrath.

-The Altons: Cael stated that both Dylan and Andrew will compete in wrestle-offs at 141, but will not wrestle each other. The indication from the boys themselves, makes it sound like it will be Dylan competing this year, while Andrew redshirts. “He’s a little bigger than I am,” Andrew said. “I know I can make 141 next year.”

-Pataky was wearing a knee brace and said he will most likely wear it in competition. “It’s healing faster than anticipated. I think it will be just a few more weeks before I’m full-go.”

-Injured 149lb All-American, Frank Molinaro (foot), said he’s confident his recovery will be quick. In the meantime ‘I’m trying to set an example off-the-mat. We have a young team and hopefully they follow my lead. I’m working hard lifting and doing cardio. I eat right, don’t stay out late. Get enough sleep. Hopefully the young guys see this.”